LASIK is a surgical procedure that employs a laser to treat farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism. It’s a very popular refractive surgery exercised in Singapore. Patients love this eye treatment for its impressive results in correcting vision. Some patients experience zero pain, and no stitches or dressing are required.

However, like most surgical treatments, LASIK do have a few disadvantages. The procedure is rather technically complex; complications may occur when the surgeon creates the flap, which may permanently deter vision. More so, the treatment can rarely elicit a loss of “clear” or “best” vision in a patient. A person’s “best” or “clear” vision is the kind of vision patients achieve when wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses.

What Does LASIK Eye Surgery Involve?

During surgery, a device called a femtosecond or microkeratome blade is used to build a thin flap in the cornea. This flap is then carefully peeled back, and the underneath corneal tissue is structured with another laser device. The cornea is reshaped to optimally target light into the retina. Afterward, it’s carefully placed back and the surgery is complete. Also worth knowing, upon surgery the patient is usually under local anesthesia which takes about 10 minutes to finish. Patients may ask for a mild sedation and must have someone drive them home following the procedure.

What Should Patients Expect After Surgery?

Many times the patient’s eyes will appear dry, though for a short period. Therefore, the ophthalmologist will give the patient some eye drops prescription to prevent any inflammation and infection from occurring. This prescription should also keep the patient’s eyes moist. Some eye drops might elicit a mild burn or blurred vision in patients, so they should follow the instructions prescribed by the doctor carefully.

Healing after surgery occurs rather quickly, though in the very first days a person’s vision may seem hazy and blurry. All the same, a person should see a significant improvement in their vision within a few days after surgery. Specific follow-ups with the surgeon may be scheduled within the first 6 months to keep track of the patient’s health improvement and treat any underlying symptoms. Some side-effects that disturb patients – although rarely – include dry eyes, glare, fluctuating vision, viewing halos around objects, and difficulty driving at night.

LASIK eye surgery is among the top refractive surgical treatments widely performed across the world. And because most patients don’t have sufficient knowledge about this procedure, it’s important to find an eye professional whom they can trust. Particularly when considering LASIK in Singapore, a person needs to be careful when choosing which surgeon to treat them. People should find honest feedback from locals and family and friends who have successfully undergone LASIK procedure. Afterward, the patient can go ahead and visit the most qualified surgeon to discuss whether LASIK is the best surgical option for them.